Choosing the best semi-automatic rifle to purchase is a highly personal decision for any gun collector. That being said, AR style rifles are the most popular in the United States, so this kind of semi-automatic rifle is well worth considering. There are two ammunition calibers for AR rifles: 5.56 mm NATO-sized and 7.62 mm NATO-sized.
The following focuses on the 5.56 mm rifles, and the legal requirements someone must meet to purchase this style of rifle, including the well-known AR-15. So, if you are considering a purchase of semi-automatic hunting rifles, read on to understand your legal rights and responsibilities.
What state do you live in?
As if deciding which is the best semi-automatic rifle for your needs wasn’t hard enough, firearm purchasing laws vary greatly from state-to-state. In Florida or Virginia, for example, it is fairly easy to walk into a firearms dealer and purchase semi-automatic hunting rifles in less than 30 minutes.
Other states, such as California, Rhode Island, and Connecticut require waiting periods of up to two weeks. Most states require no waiting period.
Defining an assault rifle
It is important to know that under some state laws semi-automatic rifles are considered assault rifles. However, most firearm enthusiasts reserve that term for fully automatic rifles.
California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York place restrictions on semi-automatic rifle ownership. California’s classification of which semi-automatic rifles are considered assault rifles is particularly convoluted.
Age restrictions
Generally speaking, in any state, anyone over the age of 18 can purchase semi-automatic hunting rifles. One exception is Hawaii, which requires people to be at least 21 to purchase any firearm. Also, as of January 1, 2019, Washington State requires people purchasing semi-automatic hunting rifles to be at least 21 years old.
Hunting enthusiasts have it a bit easier than those wishing to purchase other firearms, such as a 9 mm handgun. Federal law imposes a 21+ age restriction when it comes to handguns for sale.
Federal law also forbids the sale of any long gun to people under the age of 18. Long guns include semi-automatic hunting rifles that take 5.56 ammunition or a .22 semi-automatic rifle, for example.
In 13 states, as well as the District of Columbia, there is a 21+ age restriction on purchasing even the best handgun.
Background checks
Most states require two background checks, a state one and a federal one. In 33 states, private sellers can legally sell firearms without performing either of the two background checks. When purchasing a firearm at a store, you must fill out ATF Form 4473 and provide a valid ID to the seller. The seller will then run your information through a federal database for the background check.
Individuals will fail this check if they have a criminal record or outstanding arrest warrants. Your background check may also fail if you have been charged with domestic abuse or drug-related crimes or have been diagnosed with mental health issues. The check only takes a few minutes to complete.
Permits and licenses
Depending on where you live, you may have to acquire a permit or license before you can legally purchase semi-automatic hunting rifles. Five states and various municipalities in the United States require purchasing permits. However, the permitting requirements for buying the best semi-automatic rifle are less restrictive than buying cheap handguns.
In New Jersey, someone interested in purchasing semi-automatic hunting rifles only needs to pay $5 for a lifetime permit. In Massachusetts, the cost is $100 every six years for a similar permit.
Local city laws
For an example of the relationship between state and municipal law, look to Illinois. A state-issued Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card costs just $10. If a gun owner lives in Chicago, additional municipal laws can add up to $900 extra to that cost.
New York City is another example of restrictive municipal laws. The State of New York only requires a permit to purchase handguns, like a 9 mm handgun. However, if you live in New York City, there is a 13-page application necessary to obtain a permit to buy a rifle.
